Tea Ceremony Experience & Nishiki Market Walking Tour

Embarking on a cultural journey through Kyoto, this captivating tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the art of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. After this calming experience, visitors can explore the vibrant Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto’s Kitchen," where they’ll have the chance to sample local delicacies and discover an array of artisanal crafts. With a licensed English guide leading the way, this immersive 3-hour and 45-minute excursion promises to unveil the rich tapestry of Kyoto’s culinary and cultural heritage.

Key Points

• Explore the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, including witnessing the preparation of matcha green tea and participating in elements of the ceremony.
• Discover the vibrant Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto’s Kitchen," and browse stalls offering local produce, pickles, and traditional street food.
• The 3-hour 45-minute walking tour starts at Gion-Shijo Station and is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers.
• The tour price of $97.56 per person includes a licensed English guide, admission to the tea ceremony, and all transportation costs.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and participants must wear socks for the tea ceremony in a traditional Japanese-style room.

Tour Overview

This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and explore the vibrant Nishiki Market in Kyoto.

Held in the afternoon, the tour begins at Gion-Shijo Station and lasts approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.

During this time, you will attend a traditional tea ceremony in a Japanese-style room and then walk through the famous Nishiki Market, known as the "Kitchen of Kyoto."

The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers and is priced at $97.56 per person.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour is conducted entirely on foot.

Inclusions

The tour includes a national government licensed English guide interpreter, who’ll accompany participants throughout the experience.

The guide will provide insights and explain the cultural significance of the tea ceremony and Nishiki Market.

The tour fee also covers the admission cost for the tea ceremony.

All transportation costs within the tour are included as well.

Participants can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the tour without incurring any charges, allowing for flexible planning.

Meeting and Pickup

Participants meet at the Gion-Shijo Station, located at 1 Chome Miyagawasuji in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto.

The group meets at 2:00 PM and departs at 2:10 PM.

The tour is conducted entirely on foot, so participants should wear comfortable shoes.

The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation.

Infants must sit on their parents’ laps, and participants under 18 require parental permission.

Those under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the tour is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and parental permission is required for participants under 18. Participants under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Accessibility	Transportation	Infants	Minors
Not wheelchair accessible	Near public transportation	Must sit on laps	Parental permission required for under 18
		Participants under 15 must be accompanied by parent/guardian

The order of destinations may change, and if altered, the tour will end at the Fukujuen Kyoto Flagship Store. Participants should wear socks for the tea ceremony held in a Japanese-style room. No serious medical conditions are required, as most travelers can participate.

Expectations and Guidelines

Order of destinations may change, and if so, the tour will end at the Fukujuen Kyoto Flagship Store.

Participants should wear socks for the tea ceremony, which takes place in a traditional Japanese-style room.

No serious medical conditions prevent most travelers from taking part in the activities. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.

Infants must sit on laps, and parental permission is required for participants under 18. Those under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Tea Ceremony Experience

During the tea ceremony experience, you will have the opportunity to witness the graceful and time-honored traditions of Japanese tea culture.

They’ll enter a traditional Japanese-style room and observe the skilled tea master as they methodically prepare and serve the matcha green tea.

Participants will then have the chance to try their hand at elements of the tea ceremony, such as properly holding the tea bowl and sipping the tea.

The tea ceremony provides a serene and immersive glimpse into this centuries-old cultural practice that’s highly revered in Japan.

Nishiki Market Walking Tour

After the tea ceremony experience, you will explore the bustling Nishiki Market, a vibrant food market known as "Kyoto’s Kitchen."

They’ll stroll through the narrow alleyways, browsing the stalls that offer a wide variety of local produce, pickles, handmade crafts, and traditional Japanese street food.

The market’s sights, sounds, and aromas create a lively atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy the local culture.

Popular items at Nishiki Market include:

• Freshly grilled squid
• Pickled vegetables
• Handcrafted wooden kitchen utensils

This walking tour provides an authentic glimpse into Kyoto’s culinary heritage.

Exploring Kyoto’s Culinary Scene

Kyoto’s culinary scene is a captivating tapestry woven with centuries-old traditions and innovative flavors.

From the serene grace of the tea ceremony to the bustling energy of Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto’s Kitchen," visitors can enjoy the city’s rich gastronomic heritage.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the meticulous preparation of matcha tea, followed by a guided exploration of the market’s vibrant stalls, showcasing regional specialties like pickled vegetables, artisanal sweets, and fresh seafood.

This experience unveils the intricate balance of reverence for tradition and embrace of modernity that defines Kyoto’s culinary landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Covid-19 Safety Protocols During the Tour?

The tour follows COVID-19 safety protocols, including mask-wearing and social distancing measures. Participants will be required to sanitize their hands and have their temperatures checked before the start of the tour.

Can Participants Take Photos During the Tea Ceremony?

Participants can take photos during the tea ceremony, but they should be discreet and respectful. The guide will provide instructions on appropriate behavior and etiquette to ensure the ceremony is not disrupted.

Is There a Dress Code for the Nishiki Market Walking Tour?

There’s no specific dress code for the Nishiki Market walking tour. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and casual, weather-appropriate attire to explore the lively market stalls and shops comfortably.

Are There Any Dietary Accommodations Available for the Experience?

The tour doesn’t mention any dietary accommodations. However, participants should let the guide know of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so they can try to accommodate them to the extent possible.

Can Participants Explore Kyoto’s Sights After the Tour Ends?

Participants can explore Kyoto’s sights after the tour ends at Nishiki Market or the Fukujuen Kyoto Flagship Store. The tour provides flexibility for travelers to continue discovering the city on their own after the guided experience.

The Sum Up

The Tea Ceremony Experience & Nishiki Market Walking Tour in Kyoto offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage. From the serene art of the traditional tea ceremony to the vibrant energy of Kyoto’s bustling food market, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the unique flavors and traditions that make the city so captivating. It’s an essential experience for anyone seeking to discover the essence of Kyoto.